What Should I Prepare Before Playset Installation Begins?

You've decided to take the plunge and have a playset installed on your property, and hired professional installers to get the job done. Good choice! Even though professionals will be doing the heavy lifting, literally, there are some things that you can do to make the installation process go even more smoothly and successfully. What should I prepare before playset installation begins? You’re in the right place.

Preparation guarantees that your installation crew from Fenceworks can do their work effectively without any unwelcome interruptions or issues. It also safeguards your investment by getting the playset installed in the most ideal location with the optimum foundation. This simple playset installation preparation checklist will help the installers to get started without problems.

Choosing the Appropriate Location

Consider Space and Safety Requirements

Your playset needs enough clearance on all sides for secure play. Six feet of clearance is the absolute minimum most manufacturers recommend around the overall unit, but swing sets may need up to twelve feet of clearance. Walk around your yard and decide on possible locations that meet these space requirements.

Evaluate Ground Conditions

Walk around your yard and find the most level area you have. Professional installers can handle gentle slopes, but extremely uneven terrain may require site work or grading on top of your purchase. Do not put your playset in low areas where water will collect after rain, as good drainage is one of the single most significant factors in the life of your playset. If you’ve wondered about leveling ground for a playset, this is where careful assessment pays off.

Look for Overhead and Underground Obstructions

Look overhead for hindrances like tree branches, electric lines, or eaves that overhang. Similarly, consider what might be beneath the ground - sprinkler pipes, utilities, or septic systems. If you are unsure where underground services are at your preferred site, dial your local utility marking service.

Preparing the Site

Clear the Installation Area

Clear all furniture, decorations, toys, or other objects from the area of installation and the surrounding clearance area. This will include picking up sticks, rocks, and other debris that may get in the way of installation or cause safety issues.

Address Landscaping Issues

Cut back any plants or bushes that could interfere with access to the installation site. If you do have underground sprinkler heads, mark their position or remove them temporarily if they're in the way. Some homeowners prefer to cut sod from the installation site in advance, but this is not always required - our installers can provide tailored advice, so be sure to ask. For those looking into how to prepare a backyard for a playset, a tidy, accessible space is key.

Provide Equipment Access

Installation crews arrive in large trucks and equipment. Clear your driveway and the route to the installation site of obstacles and obstructions. Identify whether gates need to be opened or briefly taken out to allow for equipment and materials, especially if you’ve chosen a larger model like Playground One playsets.

Get Professional Installers' Tips Before They Arrive

Discuss Site-Specific Issues

Speak to our friendly team a few days prior to installation and warn them about special conditions on your property. Inform them if you have inclines, drainage problems, or tight entrances. Our seasoned installers can give professional guidance on site preparation or recommend other locations that may not have occurred to you.

Confirm Installation Day Details

Confirm the date, number of staff, and whether we have any special requirements. Some installers like to do all ground preparation themselves, while others don't mind homeowners doing some preliminary clearing beforehand. Don’t worry, we’ll talk you through everything. 

Plan for Weather Contingencies

Discuss backup plans for inclement weather. Professional installers will not typically work in unsafe conditions, so having a rain date planned prevents disappointment and scheduling issues.

Setting the Stage for Success

It is worth the time to have your playset installation prepared in advance to save you headaches down the road. Your installation team will appreciate a prepared site so that they can focus on doing what they do best - building a safe, solid playground for your family.

Remember that good preparation yields more satisfactory results and, in general, quicker installation times as well. By choosing the optimal location, preparing the site correctly, and communicating well with your installation team, you're setting the stage for years of safe, joyful play. Contact Fenceworks for more advice today!